In this compelling episode, we go back—to when radio wasn’t just technology- it was connection. A lifeline during the Great Depression. A steady presence through war. A shared experience that bound a country together.

And now? As legacy media shrink, local news weakens, and trusted public voices grow harder to find, we ask a bigger question: What are we losing—and who’s preserving what matters?

Rebecca Toov, Collections Archivist at the University of Minnesota lives inside the past—sorting, saving, and bringing forward the voices that shaped us.

From reel-to-reel recordings buried seven stories underground… to a powerful moment when radio stepped in during a time of crisis… to the raw force of hearing people speak in their own voices—

This conversation reminds us: history isn’t silent… unless we let it be. Because the need never went away. People still want to listen.  And maybe now more than ever, we need to remember how.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Writer and activist Amy Friedman believes stories can change how we see each other. Through All-American Story, immigrants and first- and second-generation Americans share their lived experiences through writing, music, performance, and art — raw, real, and deeply human. 

At a moment when immigration gets reduced to headlines and arguments, these voices bring us back to the only question that matters: what does it mean to belong in America?

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What if comedy isn’t just punchlines — but leverage?

Lynn Harris, founder & CEO of GOLD Comedy didn’t wait for a seat at the table. She redesigned the room.

In this explosively insightful conversation, Lynn pulls back the curtain on gatekeeping, the myth of “confidence,” and why comedy is one of the most powerful delivery systems for culture, access, and who society learns to listen to — in ways policy papers and protests alone cannot reach.

 We trace the long arc of women in comedy, dig into the economics of creative work, and ask why “women’s comedy” is still treated like a category instead of just… comedy.

The real issue was never women finding their voice. It’s whether the world is ready to hear it.  Sharp. Funny. Deeply revealing. This one hits.

If you’ve ever wondered who holds the mic — and why it matters — this conversation is for you.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What happens when a lifelong psychic begins to lose memory — but not intuition? 

Nationally recognized psychic and teacher Echo Bodine reflects on life after an Alzheimer's diagnosis — and what it means to trust intuition, presence, and surrender as memory changes. 

She talks about the relief of finally understanding what was happening, the unexpected gift of living one day at a time, and how vulnerability has brought her closer to people. Echo shares what an "Alzheimer's day" feels like, why she refuses to let fear spiral, and why intuition — not memory — feels most reliable now. 

We also talk about staying grounded in difficult times, fighting the dark with light, and listening for the steady voice inside when everything else feels uncertain. This is a conversation about presence, courage, and what remains when certainty falls away.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What happens when the doctor becomes the patient?

ER physician Dr. Christina Miller spent years moving fast—hospital coffee, vending-machine candy, adrenaline, and crisis care. She was trained to save lives on the edge. Then lupus stopped her cold and forced her to slow down—and listen.

Chris talks about inflammation from the inside out, how food became central to her healing, and why treating symptoms isn’t the same as understanding what’s actually going on. We dig into stress, sleep, sugar, grief, and the quiet signals our bodies send long before they land us in the ER.

Chris breaks down integrative and functional medicine in plain language and makes a compelling case for care that looks at the whole person—not just the problem of the day.

If your health—or your stress—feels like a runaway freight train, this conversation hits the brakes!

Christina Miller M.D.  

Chris Miller MD on Substack 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What happens when curiosity turns into responsibility—and saving stories becomes the work?

In this moving episode, Stephanie Detton, a 4th-grade teacher in Colorado and co-host of Italian American Stories Podcast reflects on growing up Italian American in the West.   But this conversation cracks opens something much larger: how family history lives in newspapers, memory, silence—and what’s at stake when no one pays attention.

Stephanie talks about losing her grandfather, discovering genealogy, and realizing that forgotten lives don’t resurface on their own. Together with her mother Sandy, she finds Italian American stories that demand to be told—tender, difficult, and often overlooked. Crime, courage, scandal, migration, survival. Nothing sanitized. Nothing erased.

This episode is about storytelling, and responsibility- about history not as a textbook, but as real people living real lives. And about the power of recording what came before us- before it disappears.

If you’ve ever wondered where you come from—or what might be lost if no one asks—this conversation is for you.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What if the songs that shaped you could one day save you? When Justin Russo watched 4,000 people wave back at him in perfect rhythm during a music festival, he discovered something profound about connection—but it would take years before he understood music's deeper power. 

Now, as Director of Programming at the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, he's part of a mission asking: how far can music reach into a person's neurologic world, and what can it bring back? 

Justin reveals why your teenage soundtrack never leaves you, shares the moment a woman with dementia stood up and danced to a song she hadn't heard in decades, and explains how a simple playlist can help someone recognize their family again.  From the "long goodbye" of dementia to caregivers juggling impossible demands, this episode reveals what awakening actually looks like—and offers practical tools you can use today. Because sometimes healing arrives not in milligrams, but in melodies that know the way home.

Links:

Institute for Music and Neurologic Function

Music & Memory Program

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Tired of doom scrolling?  Try life scrolling. This episode tracks down the wild cards- moments that flip the script, rewrite what’s possible, and proves that the future is still wide open. No spoilers — just know this: you’re about to hear ten stories you didn’t see coming! Quiet, bold, disruptive… and absolutely real.

When the world feels predictably dark, hit the reset button, and expect the unexpected!

*To see full podcast sources, please go to my website: https://benincasa-pat.squarespace.com/config/pages/647de73982ba465e47aba72f

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In a world wired for breaking news and dopamine scrolling, writer and dad-of-two, Jason Bartz, did the unthinkable- he ditched his smartphone for a dumb phone. Not as a gimmick, but as a line in the sand — for his time, his kids, and his sanity.

Jason takes us into the raw aftermath of stepping off the digital treadmill: the awkward boredom, the unexpected quiet, and the intense way the world starts to show up again — on a run, at the dinner table, in the small, ordinary moments with his kids. He brings us into a bare-bones world where film cameras slow your pulse, fewer choices open more space, and presence stops being a luxury.

We also get into the hard stuff: data mining, kids’ apps, and how to model balance in a culture that  pushes “more screen, more now.

If you’ve ever looked up from your screen and thought, “I need a reset” this conversation is your nudge to try something different.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Whoa! In this 7-minute episode, we step into the Candy Machine Cosmos — where you insert something small — a coin, a thought, a risk — and what comes back is always unexpected: sometimes grace, sometimes grief, but always a call to see anew. 

OR- Watch 3+ minute YouTube video!  👀

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn3JKG_AJ_8

🎬 This as a 3-minute v.i.s.u.a.l journey, where color, rhythm, and chance collide in the Candy Machine Cosmos — a place where curiosity feeds creation and every risk reveals something unexpected. Watch, listen, and see what the universe gives back.

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Got emails? A blog? Social media? A website? Then you’ve got a digital trail—but what happens to it when you’re gone?

In this eye-opening episode, Len Rosen—futurist, tech writer, and founder of the site 21stCenTech —asks the questions we avoid:  What happens to your Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Apple, and Google accounts? Who has access? Who decides? What just… disappears?  From rented movies and dusty blogs to forgotten passwords and digital ghosts, Len breaks it down with sharp insight and dry wit.

Click. Post. Gone. What stays, what vanishes—and who gets to decide?

🌟 Bonus: Download the free Digital Legacy Starter Sheet (link in show notes). Because someday, someone you love will be glad you did.    

Links:

21stCenTech.com

Digital Legacy Starter Sheet PDF

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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The ground keeps shifting. Some truths don’t—won’t. In just 5 minutes, this episode hits where it matters.. Truth. Justice. Memory. Not trends. Not fiction. Friction. Because what matters… holds.

OR - 🌟watch colorful video on YouTube 👀

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEmPGduk_m4&t=10s

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Motorcycle crash and everything stopped. Kijuan Amey, Former Air Force Staff Sgt. refueling jets at 30,000 feet, entrepreneur, and student on the verge of a pilot’s wings- with broken bones and lost sight- had to decide.  What follows isn’t a comeback story. It is a rock-bottom hard reality where every scar, every setback became fuel for a new kind of flight—one powered by faith, defiance, and a stubborn determination to live on his terms.

In this riveting conversation, Kijuan talks about an ICU-bleak medical prognosis and learning to walk, eat, and talk- refusing to let blindness define the boundaries of his life. As author, speaker, and world traveler, he’s not chasing the life he lost—he’s living one that can’t be broken.

Links

Kijuan Amey  

Don't Focus On Why Me: From Motorcycle Accident to Miracle

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In rural Queensland, Australia, a young trainer builds trust one horse at a time. At just twenty-something, Rachel Finch runs YP Performance Horses, guiding everything from high-strung racehorses learning to relax to unhandled colts taking their first steps toward trust. She swaps speed for softness, pressure for partnership—and the results speak for themselves. This grounded, gutsy conversation digs into what it really takes to turn training into true connection.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Who kept the lights burning when storms raged, men died, and the sea threatened everything? More often than we realize, it was women—forgotten in the records, but essential to history.

In a riveting and deeply human episode, Shauna MacDonald—professor, performer, and cultural excavator—uncovers the overlooked stories of women lighthouse keepers. 

Featured on PBS, NPR, and National Geographic, Shauna brings their silence into focus, revealing persistence without applause, labor without spotlight, and strength that endured whether or not anyone noticed.

It’s a story of women who lit the way when history turned its back- and of the scholars, writers, and keepers today who refuse to let their stories disappear. For Shauna, it’s about making sure their stories aren’t just remembered, but reimagined as part of the history we carry forward.

These women lit the coastlines. Shauna helps us see why their light still matters.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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When Sue Abderholden took the reins at the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in 2001, the organization ran on duct tape, a few staff, and big hopes.

Two decades later, NAMI MN has become a statewide leader and national model—transforming how mental health is addressed in schools, jails, hospitals, and homes. 

In this candid conversation, Sue reflects on 24 years of advocacy, the power of listening, and the long fight to bring dignity and justice to mental health care. We explore words that wound, policies that uplift, and why she never walked away—even on the hard days. This isn’t just a story about mental health—it’s a masterclass in how lasting change begins: one conversation at a time.

Now looking ahead, Sue shares what’s next, what remains unfinished, and what it means to build something solid—ready for the next person to carry forward with clarity and purpose.

Links

NAMI MN  

NAMI (NATIONAL)

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What happens when bedside stories we almost never hear step into the light—and sing? In this episode, Ben Kintisch—chaplain, Cantor, and playwright behind “Life Review: The Hospice Musical” —shares how end-of-life moments became songs that make you laugh, weep, and reach for someone you love.

We get honest about what hospice really is: the power of moments over months, the chaplain’s craft of presence, turning private goodbyes into public courage, and how theater can carry truths beyond words. 

Ben draws from journals, bedside memories, and raw emotion, shaping them into lyrics and scenes that hold the weight of these encounters on stage. He reflects on the losses that shape us, the family dramas that surface in final chapters, and the act of transforming intimate goodbyes into music and story. At the center is a brave reminder: claim the days you have, until the very end.

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When the world goes hard, softness isn’t weakness—it’s strategy. This quick episode is about what happens when you answer cruelty… with a seat at the table.

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Plot twist: Gen Z, first to grow up with smartphones and social media 24/7- decide now to unplug? 

Meet Olivia Telecky, a 20-year-old Minnesota college student whose article “The Dumb Phone Trend—And Why I Bought Into It” made waves. 

With honesty and humor, Olivia explains why she turned her iPhone into a dumb phone—and what that choice reveals about a generation pushing back on doom-scrolling, questioning the pressure to stay connected, and looking for breathing room in an anxious, uncertain world. She also opens up about Gen Z’s growing pessimism about the future—jobs, housing, even retirement—and how it shapes their choices today.

For some Gen Zers, stepping back from the screen isn’t losing connection—it’s finding a truer one.

(Quick heads-up, friends:  Zoom gremlins snuck into this recording. You might hear a little ‘tin-can radio’ effect in spots, but trust me—the conversation shines right through.)

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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🐾 What does it mean to truly give someone their life back?

Alyssa Golob, Executive Director of Helping Paws, takes us inside their mission to train service dogs for people with physical disabilities, veterans, and first responders with PTSD.

From a mother's loving calls to her struggling son—"go play with the dogs"—to a 15-year-old girl opening her bedroom door independently for the first time, these stories reveal dignity restored, fear conquered, and freedom reclaimed. 🌟

Discover how puppies destined to change lives begin training at just three days old, and how volunteers commit two years of their hearts for the ultimate gift: independence. Alyssa shares insights on leadership, trust, and yes—how many dog selfies she really has on her phone.

Beneath the training and graduations lies something profound: sometimes the most powerful healing comes not from what we receive, but from what we're willing to give.💓

Link:  Helping Paws

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What happens when a veteran’s truth is shaped by a writer, interpreted by an artist, and transformed into something the world can finally see? When the silence of war is met—not with politics—but with art?

With unflinching honesty, Marine Corps veteran and writer Robert LeHeup shares the story behind Bullets and Bandaids, a nonprofit that pairs veterans with writers and artists to turn lived experience into collaborative, soul-grabbing works of art.

This isn’t therapy-it’s something else.  It’s agency. It’s healing through connection. And it’s a bold refusal to let any story—or any veteran—be left behind.

From WWII to Afghanistan, Robert explores the alchemy between trauma and creative expression—and reveals how art becomes the bridge between the unspeakable and the unforgettable.

These stories don’t stay on the wall or the page. They stay with you.

BulletsandBandaids

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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 The high-voltage impact of the ordinary-in this quick episode! 

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While the world scrolls through chaos and cruelty, something else is happening—quietly, insistently, beautifully. This episode is a dispatch from that other world. The one where people are building, healing, creating, and connecting—right in the thick of it. Not in spite of the madness, but through it. Because beyond the headlines, the human spirit is busy at work

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What happens when wood becomes voice, and craft becomes calling?

Luthier Nina Poots doesn’t just build string instruments—she brings them to life. Born in the Netherlands and now working in the Scottish Highlands, Nina’s journey has taken her from art education to centuries-old violin-making traditions, with stops at Glasgow Clyde College and the renowned Newark School in England.

She reveals how tea leaves and vibration patterns can reveal a violin’s voice, and why building an instrument is as much about listening as it is about shaping. Nina opens up about transformation, trust in the process, and what it means to create something that won’t fully find itself for another fifty years.

This is a story of sound, soul, and the quiet magic of becoming.

Link

Nina F. Poots Luthier     

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this riveting episode, Joel Sosinsky and Andi Sosin take us inside the 1911, Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire—one of the deadliest workplace disasters in U.S. history—and the fierce determination to make sure it’s never forgotten.

146 immigrant workers, mostly young women. Locked exits. A burning building. And out of the horror—a reckoning. Labor laws. Fire codes. Frances Perkins. The seeds of the New Deal.

Joel and Andi helped launch and build the Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition—and the public memorial that speaks in steel, fabric, and fire. This is about more than history. It’s about who we choose to remember—and who we’re still willing to fight for.

Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition  

The New York City Triangle Factory Fire  

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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When was the last time you really saw the stars? Not just a few twinkles—but the Milky Way stretching overhead like a cosmic river?

Caroline “Siffy” Torkildson—geographer, explorer, and author of the new book “My Home Is Where My Trunk Is”—has spent a lifetime chasing eclipses, hiking sacred landscapes, and advocating for the night sky.

We dig into light pollution—the silent invader erasing our stars, disrupting wildlife, and throwing off our circadian rhythms. But we also explore solutions: from Dark Sky Parks to smarter lighting, from rural stargazing to astrotourism that restores our connection to night.

This is more than a conversation about stars. It’s a call to look up, to slow down, and to remember we belong to something vast and mysterious. We don’t look to the night sky for answers—we look to feel part of something greater than ourselves.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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🚗 She left a marriage, packed her life into a Kia, and drove straight into the unknown. What Brittany Colt found on the other side wasn’t just a new beginning—it was a radical reclaiming of self.

📷 Brittany’s photography doesn’t just capture beauty—it captures reckoning, release, and raw presence. Her images, both portrait and landscape, are striking, soulful, and unforgettable. From her time at the Ansel Adams Gallery to launching The Flying Dress Experience, Brittany’s work invites women to step into awe-inspiring wilderness—and helps them see themselves anew.

We talk resilience, risk, the art of chasing light, and the healing force of nature. This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever stood at a crossroads and wondered what’s waiting if they choose themselves. 🌟 Her work holds power. This episode holds truth. Don’t miss it! 🌅

Brittany Colt Photographer

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What kind of person runs toward the fire — not away? Kristianne Schultz has lived many lifetimes in one: firefighter, EMT, surgical tech, acupuncturist, healer. But behind every role is one relentless search — for healing, for wholeness, for a self-reclaimed from childhood pain and trauma.

In this episode, Kristianne opens up about surviving Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, learning to control pain through mind-body practices, and forging a life of fierce compassion. She shares what crisis has taught her about presence, what illness has taught her about love, and why healing always begins within.

This is a conversation about the raw honesty of living fully, the courage to face what breaks us, and the quiet power of someone who refuses to play it safe. Kristianne doesn’t just mend bodies- she helps people reclaim a sense of wholeness.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What happens when the justice system gets it wrong—devastatingly wrong?

In this riveting episode of Fill To Capacity, attorney Chris Renz shares the harrowing story of how his legal team at Chestnut Cambronne—working with the Great North Innocence Project—helped exonerate Robert “Bobby” Bintz, who spent 25 years behind bars for a brutal crime he didn’t commit. Through persistence, forensic genealogy, and a relentless pursuit of truth, they uncovered the real killer and set Bobby free.

This is a story about perserverance, dead ends, and finally, breakthrough. It’s about a broken system, human error, and the tireless search for truth. This isn’t just about overturning a conviction—it’s about honoring a life lost, restoring a life stolen, and proving that even against the odds, justice is still worth fighting for.

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault and murder.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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⚖️ When truth stands alone, it still stands—just ask Joan of Arc. 🛡️⚜️

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Who cares for the caregiver?

In this powerful and tender conversation, Mandy Barr—President Carter’s great-niece and Engagement Specialist at the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers—opens a door into the heart of caregiving in America today.

With raw honesty and lived experience—as a caregiver, military spouse, and mother of a medically complex child—Mandy Barr brings depth, resilience, and grace to a role millions carry but few see. 

She also brings us something rare: a loving, behind-the-scenes portrait of Rosalynn Carter—her fierce compassion, unwavering presence, and the quiet power that shaped lives and policy.

This is more than a podcast episode—it’s an oral history, a tribute, and a reminder that care is strength, legacy is action, and the human experience begins with being seen.  

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this revealing episode, we go to the heart of a crisis too many parents carry in silence. Dr. Kate Gawlik—Doctor of Nursing Practice, researcher, professor, and mother of four—exposes the quiet toll of parenting—burnout and the loneliness no one talks about.

We dig into what the data reveals, how the pandemic reshaped family life, and what it means to juggle the nonstop demands of parenting, work, and school schedules. Kate doesn’t just study this—she’s lived it. And now she’s building real spaces where overwhelmed parents feel seen, heard, and supported.

She shares ways to reconnect, reclaim time, and take one simple step that can shift everything.

This one’s for every parent holding it together on the outside while quietly unraveling on the inside. You are not alone.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this re-recorded episode, I return to a story that wouldn’t leave me alone. What started as a tribute to my grandfather, Papaco, took on new depth after uncovering surprising threads—especially from Sardinia, where poetry was a lived tradition.

This isn’t just about genealogy. It’s about a burned diploma, a salvaged book of Italian love poems, and what it means to defy the story written for you—and write your own.

I come from people who were told “This isn’t for you.” And we answered back: “Watch me.”

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Pavement is everywhere—trapping heat, polluting water, and cutting us off from nature. But what if we could tear it up and bring life back to our cities? Enter Depave, a dynamo organization transforming urban spaces by tearing out unnecessary pavement and replacing it with thriving green landscapes.

In this episode, Katherine Rose of Depave, reveals why pavement is both an environmental and social justice issue—and how breaking concrete becomes a radical act of change. We explore the legacy of redlining, urban heat islands, and flooding, and how  communities are reclaiming their land, one project at a time.
Discover the "sponge city" revolution—a smarter way to absorb rain, prevent floods, and cool cities. By replacing pavement with wetlands, green roofs, and bioswales, urban areas can fight climate change and build resilience.

From parking lots to parks, from industrial wastelands to lush neighborhoods—Depave proves cities don’t need to be smothered in pavement. They can come alive!

LINK:

Depave

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this moving episode, Aidan Ryan—writer, publisher, and filmmaker discusses his deeply personal book, I Am Here - You Are Not - I Love You. The book unearths the extraordinary yet overlooked lives of Cindy Suffoletto and Andy Topolski, two groundbreaking artists who came out of Buffalo’s raw, experimental 1970s art scene and made their mark in the intense 1980s–90s New York art world.

As Aidan retraces their artistic journey, he explores the realities of ambition, sacrifice, and reinvention. Why did Cindy, a fiercely talented artist, step away from her own work for so long? Why did Andy, a visionary artist, not receive the recognition he deserved? How does memory transform loss into rediscovery? And what role does place play in shaping who we are and how we are remembered?

With a writer’s sharp insight and a nephew’s deep love, Aidan brings their story back to life—offering a stirring meditation on art, legacy, and the unseen forces that shape creative lives.

Don’t miss this powerful conversation about art, history, the influence of place, and the enduring ties that bind us beyond time.

(( A special thank you to Mick Cochrane, Canisius University Professor  for introducing me to Aidan Ryan—his thoughtful connection made this conversation possible, and I’m truly grateful.))

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Misinformation floods the internet. Can you separate fact from fiction?

In this must-hear episode, Brittani Kollar, Deputy Director of MediaWise at the Poynter Institute, breaks down the rise of online deception—and how you can fight back.

·      The biggest red flags of online misinformation

·      How AI, deepfakes, and clickbait are changing the game

·      Why speed is overtaking context in today’s news

·      Practical fact-checking strategies anyone can use

·      The real impact of misinformation on public trust, elections, and everyday life

In a world flooded with half-truths and viral lies, we are not powerless. Every fact we check, every rumor we stop, and every truth we stand by matters.   So, are you ready to scroll smarter, question sharper, and stay MediaWise? Tune in now!

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What happens when a top-tier athlete, defined by discipline and control, is faced with a rare illness and the collapse of an 18-year marriage? Risa August got off her couch, named her tumor “Bubba,” grabbed her bike, and rode 1,845 miles down the Pacific Coast, battling pain, gale-force winds, and heartbreak.

In this gripping episode, Risa shares how she traded perfectionism for authenticity. From wearing Wonder Woman tutus during radiation treatments to trekking Machu Picchu, her story isn’t just about surviving—it’s about redefining what it truly means to live.

Tune in as Risa inspires us to let go of what holds us back, wear imperfection like a tiara, and live life fully unleashed. This conversation will leave you breathless, motivated, and ready to face whatever life throws your way.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Reimagine women’s healthcare! This episode explores the groundbreaking work of Herself Health, redefining care for women 65+ with a bold, whole-person approach. 

Join Becca Kummer, Clinic Manager, and Morgan Lange, Physician Assistant, as they share how they’re charting new paths with empathy, connection, and innovative value-based care—giving women the respect, attention, and healthcare they deserve. Packed with insights and powerful stories of transformation and resilience, this is not just medicine—it’s a movement!

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What happens when a crow with serious attitude takes to the skies? A flight path you won’t believe! Sometimes, it’s in the smallest acts of defiance that we find our truest strength. 

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What do coral reefs, the Heartland and a student at Southern Illinois Univ. have in common? A groundbreaking journey to save our oceans. Dive deep with Ashlynn Shea, a zoology senior and coral conservation advocate, whose work in a landlocked lab is transforming the future of marine biology.

From studying coral microbiomes to dreaming of heat-resistant reefs, Ashlynn is tackling climate change one flow rate at a time. Learn how the Saluki Coral Farm is redefining aquaculture and why coral reefs—the "canaries of the ocean"—are essential for life on Earth.

Get ready to explore the depths of innovation making waves of change far from the shore." 🌊

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What do metronomes, circles, and chemical reactions have to do with the new year? Find out in this 5-minute episode where anxiety meets purpose, and the sacred takes center stage.

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Listen as Joan Vorderbruggen, a visionary force in public art and creative place-making reveals how art can revolutionize communities. Through Minnesota's beloved Dayton's holiday displays and the new Twin Cities Public TV (TPT) documentary "Remember the Magic," she weaves together cultural preservation, community transformation, and art's power to drive social change.

Her work spans from "blazering up" for boardroom presentations to organizing community celebrations in challenged urban spaces.  Joan's raw authenticity reveals how art can combat homelessness, bridge divides, and turn despair into hope and connection.

She describes working with unsheltered individuals, empowering youth through creativity, and changing perspectives - even among skeptical civic leaders. 

Joan's radiant spirit and profound wisdom reminds us that saving cultural treasures isn't just about preserving the past - it's about igniting the sparks that light our collective future.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this riveting episode, Cheri Witt-Brown, a visionary leader, shares how she transformed Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity into a beacon of innovation and hope. Building has always been in her DNA—from childhood days on her dad’s construction sites to leading the charge on groundbreaking affordable housing solutions.

A devastating 2013 flood in Northern Colorado became a turning point in her life, compelling her to join Habitat for Humanity and take on one of today’s most pressing challenges: affordable housing. Cheri reveals how Habitat bridges divides—uniting communities, volunteers, and even political opposites—to create pathways to home ownership and build generational wealth.

Discover the far-reaching impact of transformative projects like Hope Springs, a nationally celebrated development redefining what inclusive, community-focused affordable housing can achieve. Through bold partnerships and visionary leadership, Habitat is rewriting the rules of housing equity.

This episode is a powerful testament to what’s possible when vision meets action—proving we’re not just building houses, we’re building futures.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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When the world spins out of control, how do you find your center? Join me for an 8-minute journey that turns a snow globe into a radical map for surviving chaos. 

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In this riveting episode, Laura Danielson, a seasoned immigration lawyer, confronts the global crisis of climate refugees.  She reveals how climate change is forcibly displacing millions, exposing critical weaknesses in current immigration policies. 

From Haiti to Central America’s Dry Corridor and South Asia’s sinking coasts, Laura highlights the human stories behind the climate crisis. She unpacks the challenges of U.S. immigration policy, the rise of nationalist movements, and potential solutions like expanding work programs to meet labor shortages.

This episode offers an eye-opening examination of resilience, global displacement, and the human face of climate change.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this deeply moving episode, we journey into the life and legacy of Judy Garland. As Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, she traveled a road of uncertainty and danger, yet held fast to her core self. Joined by Judy Garland Museum’s Founding Director, John Kelsch, and Executive Director, Janie Heitz, we explore Garland’s life and story of resilience, heartbreak, and timeless courage that continues to touch hearts across generations. From the ruby slipper’s theft to her role as a beacon for those searching for belonging, Judy’s legacy serves as a poignant reminder of hope, home, and the strength to remain true, especially in challenging times.

Today, Judy’s voice echoes louder than ever. Join us as we remember why her legacy matters—and why her story, more than a century later, is one we can hold onto.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Journey into the heart of democracy with Michelle Witte, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Minnesota, as she reveals how this powerful engine of civic engagement shapes our future. From its suffrage movement roots—championed by trailblazers like Nellie Griswold Francis and generations of African American women activists—to today's pressing challenges, discover how the League's mission extends beyond protecting votes.

Experience a masterclass in democracy preservation as Michelle unpacks critical issues: the Electoral College debate, redistricting battles, and combating voter misinformation. Drawing wisdom from icons like Susan B. Anthony and John Lewis, this episode illuminates how local initiatives and youth engagement create lasting change. Don't miss this inspiring exploration of how grassroots action and unwavering advocacy continue to strengthen our democratic foundation.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Ever had a day when the universe seemed to be playing cosmic peek-a-boo? Buckle up, buttercup! Sophia Demas is here to spill the celestial tea on those "no way!" moments that are actually the universe's way of saying, "Psst, over here!"

Sophia reveals how problem-solving, and spirituality link her diverse experiences - from her architectural work with Buckminster Fuller to high-end fashion and then counseling incarcerated women.

Synchronicity reveals how coincidences serve as spiritual guides, pointing us towards meaning and purpose- and  why your gut feelings might be more reliable than your Google calendar.

WARNING: Side effects may include sudden bursts of gratitude, an irresistible urge to help others, and the sneaking suspicion that you're more powerful than you ever imagined. Tune in. Open up. Your next life-changing coincidence might be just one listen away.

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Ever wonder how opening your home to strangers from across the globe could change your life? Join Marlis Lambson as she shares 9 years of hosting international students, transforming her home into an eclectic hub of cultures, creativity, and deep connections. 

Listen as she used zany strategies during the pandemic to create unforgettable virtual cultural exchange experiences for everyone involved!  She gives  a candid look at the daily challenges and rewards of this exchange experience.  From sensory overload foreign students often face  to the funny, meaningful moments of teaching everyday life skills, she highlights the importance of patience, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity. 

Hear unfiltered stories of overcoming language barriers, confronting cultural ignorance, and integrating diverse customs into family life. In the vast landscape of cultures, languages and traditions, this episode reveals  how our shared humanity shines through, celebrating connection over differences.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Discover how removing dams isn't just about freeing water—it's about liberating the very soul of our landscapes. Journey with Marty Holtgren, a visionary fisheries biologist and social scientist, as he delves into the revolutionary world of river restoration. From the historic reconnection of Michigan’s Maple River to global dam removal trends, Marty shares fascinating insights into the delicate balance between science, culture, and community. His deep commitment to listening to and learning from Indigenous communities is a cornerstone of his work, fostering trust and mutual understanding in every project. 

His reverence for indigenous knowledge and his relentless drive to do what others say can't be done offer inspiration for anyone who believes in the power of restoration, resilience, and the untapped potential of our natural world.
This isn't just an episode—it's a call to action. Join us as we explore how restoring our rivers can mend our connection to nature and to each other, one free-flowing stream at a time.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What does Boy George, Anthony Edwards and a beloved grandfather have to do with a young artist’s creative journey? Find out in this captivating episode with Taylor Rae Hillestad, a dynamic artist and graphic designer who blends vibrant colors and mixed media to create unforgettable portraits that resonate with both subject and viewer. 

Taylor's journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From her early days in art class to painting celebrities and athletes, Taylor's work is not just seen—it's felt. Join us as Taylor shares the challenges she's faced, the triumphs she's celebrated, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. This episode is a colorful exploration of creativity, connection, and the courage to follow your dreams. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Jump into the enchanting world of monarch butterflies—nature's neon nomads! In this episode, Professor Emilie Snell-Rood from University of Minnesota explores the captivating and fragile world of monarch butterflies.

Tackling the critical challenges posed by climate change, drought, and pesticides, Emilie shares her deep expertise, personal stories, and actionable tips, showing us how to transform our gardens into thriving sanctuaries for these majestic pollinators.
Discover how small actions can create ripple effects in preserving biodiversity, as she shares fascinating insights on everything from milkweed magic to the surprising benefits of "messy" yards. With equal parts scientific expertise and contagious passion, this episode is a must-listen! 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Discover the secrets of revolutionary forest management with Brian Huberty, a seasoned expert whose career spans from firefighting to pioneering digital mapping systems that monitor our planet’s landscapes.

Brian unpacks how the Minnesota Forestry Association boosts forest management, fire safety, and carbon storage. We compare family forest ownership in Minnesota to international standards, especially Finland.

Wildfire management takes center stage as we explore the factors behind increased wildfire risks. We'll see how different forest types respond to fires and the crucial role of detailed forest inventory maps. Brian explains why increased wildfires demand better coordination and resources. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes discussion on preserving our natural landscapes. Don’t miss it!

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this riveting episode, Jennifer Awinda, shatters myths about dementia  and aging. As a senior living and dementia practitioner, she shares moving stories of her grandparent’s battles with dementia that brought her to this work. Jennifer's insights will help you clearly understand the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s and learn essential advice for caregivers on managing the emotional rollercoaster and physical toll of caregiving.
 
 Learn essential strategies for supporting loved ones with advanced dementia, from playing music from their past, nature therapy to daily routines.
Jennifer shares wisdom from her book, "Navigating Senior Care, Dementia, and Dying," which is jam-packed with practical guidance on senior care options and financial resources. She addresses the unique challenges faced by young family members, the emotional complexities of “anticipatory grief,” and how relationships transform as dementia progresses. Tune in to discover practical tips and heartfelt advice that will help you support your loved one while also taking care of yourself.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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How do unexpected friends become our greatest healers? Join  Emily Couture, known to squirrel enthusiasts as Emily Gordon, where home for her is a bustling hub of both indoor and outdoor animal adventures, capturing hearts and sparking laughter across the digital landscape!

Hear how Lily the squirrel profoundly impacted Emily during her recovery from brain surgery and opioid withdrawal, captivating thousands with her daily posts about Lily’s antics!

Emily discusses the clear differences between living with wild animals versus pets, stressing the need to respect their natural behaviors. See why wildlife rehabilitation is a passion project that's not for the faint-hearted. 

Her tales of rescue animals such as the charismatic Mr. Pickles and the affectionate Bubba, bring warmth and joys as she paints a vivid picture of their unique bond. The enchanting story of Gypsy, the diva bunny and her influence on household dynamics is further proof of the healing power of animals, along with updates on Gypsy’s new companion.

Emily's heartfelt stories reveal the deep bond between humans and animals, highlighting how these magnificent beings often end up rescuing us. 
 
 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Laura Gabayan, a leader in ER medicine and wisdom research at UCLA, shares insights from her groundbreaking book "Common Wisdom." Born to Kurdish immigrants and having faced numerous life challenges herself, Dr. Gabayan embarked on a quest to understand the essence of wisdom by interviewing 60 individuals nominated as wise across North America. Through their stories and her rigorous analysis, she identified eight core elements of wisdom, including kindness, humility, and curiosity. 

Brace yourself for an illuminating journey as Dr. Gabayan unravels how the pursuit of wisdom can light our paths, leading us to profound meaning, deep contentment, and an unshakable connection to our shared humanity - even amidst life's thorniest complexities.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this gripping episode, Dr. Scott Kolbaba, a renowned physician, and author, takes us on a profound journey into the heart of teen mental health. With his work in an adolescent psych unit and personal experiences as a father of seven, Dr. Kolbaba exposes multifaceted challenges facing today's youth, from the relentless pressures of social media and bullying to overwhelming academic demands.

But amidst the darkness, a beacon of hope emerges as he shares the transformative power of finding purpose – a lifeline that can combat teen depression and ignite resilience. Prepare to be captivated by Dr. Kolbaba's poignant stories of teens in crisis, stories that have left an indelible mark on his soul and fueled his mission to create supportive environments where meaningful connections and mental wellness can thrive.

Join us as we uncover actionable strategies and life-changing insights that can guide our youth through the complexities of modern adolescence, empowering them to embrace their purpose and navigate their way to a brighter future. Don't miss this powerful episode – a must-listen for anyone committed to nurturing the well-being of our next generation.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this episode, Joanne DiCamillo and Nikki Puzzo, founders of befree, an innovative adaptive clothing line designed for people with limited mobility share their unstoppable journey! Inspired by Nikki’s daughter Stella’s post-surgery needs, Joanne and Nikki transformed a simple idea, zipOns into a groundbreaking solution that offers comfort, ease, and dignity to those who need it most. But zipOns quickly caught on with anglers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts.  

Join us as Joanne and Nikki share their intergenerational journey, from the challenges of prototyping and manufacturing to the impact their clothing has had on customers’ lives. Discover how befree’s adaptive clothing is redefining normal, providing freedom, and enhancing the daily lives of individuals with disabilities and for their caregivers.

Through trials, feedback, and a relentless belief in their mission, Joanne and Nikki have mainstreamed adaptive fashion that challenge norms making stylish, functional clothing accessible to all. Learn how they navigated the fashion industry without prior experience, evolved their products, and envision the future of inclusive fashion.

Tune in to be inspired by their story of innovation and dogged commitment to inclusivity, one zipOn at a time!

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this episode, Paul Gaines, talks of the wild beauty and daunting challenges of Alaska's mental health scene. In candid conversation, Paul recounts his work at the College of Visual Arts (St. Paul. MN) to becoming a Behavioral Health Director in Fairbanks. Alaska’s tough environment requires mental health professionals who can handle extreme seasons and the deep emotional impacts of isolation and trauma.

From the lows of burnout to the highs of witnessing the northern lights, Paul's experiences as a behavioral health director, veteran advocate, and psychotherapist unravel like a map of human endurance. His return to Alaska, driven by an undeterred spirit and a commitment to finish what he started, echoes a larger narrative about the true meaning of 'home' and the persistent power of community. As Paul shares his wisdom and adventures, listeners are left with a vivid impression of life in the 'Land of the Midnight Sun'—a land that tests the bounds of the human heart and spirit.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Orna O’Reilly, accomplished interior designer shares her journey from Ireland to thrilling days in South Africa, where she queued 5 hours to vote for Nelson Mandela to perilous times dodging danger in Mozambique. 
Once back in Ireland, she felt the irresistible pull to the place of her dreams: Italy. Her passion for Italian landscapes and culture reveals her decade-long affair with the heart of Europe and her leap of faith in selling her Galway home for a new chapter near Padova. Her stories capture the essence of community acceptance and the delicate dance of belonging in a foreign land.

Whether you want to relocate abroad or simply crave an armchair travel escape, Orna's candid insights offer a window into the expatriate life in Italy—a testament to the transformative power of embracing new horizons.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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“ Never seen but always heard!”  Jump headfirst into the high-stakes world of 911 dispatch with Marlis X with who navigates rapid-fire decisions and vital communications. Discover the daily work of emergency dispatch, where  multitasking and calm coexist.  Marlis talks about the mental gymnastics required to balance incoming calls, coordinate with first responders, and provide life-saving instructions, all while maintaining an island of tranquility in the storm of emergency situations.

 Listen to the  gripping story of a teenage boy thrown into the role of hero, performing CPR on his mother while guided by a dispatcher’s steady voice. This is so much more than an urgent fight for survival, it is a life changing event inspiring medical innovations that shape the future. Marlis shares how her experience hosting international students adds depth and perspective to her demanding job, offering a refreshing glimpse into the cultural richness that complements the intense nature of her work.
 
 This episode underscores the profound impact 911 dispatchers have on our everyday safety, when people are at their worst and minutes can mean life or death, these unseen heroes behind the headsets hold the line between chaos and calm, guiding us back to safety.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this episode, Natalie Zett shares a riveting narrative where she goes from storyteller to conduit for the voices that time almost silenced. She scours ethnic and neighborhood newspapers, offering an intimate look into the lives of immigrant families. Her translations of  historical documents, reveal the rich, culturally diverse voices silenced by the Eastland Disaster and opens a window into 1915 Chicago.

Natalie's Eastern European heritage and the unique influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire reveals how traditions and spirituality are woven into the fabric of history. In exploring bygone eras, we are reminded of the value that cultural practices hold in preserving our collective history. Her “Eastland Chronicles” serve as a tribute, highlighting how past experiences of our ancestors continue to reverberate in our present. 

She underscores the importance of genealogy research and the enduring legacy we create as we pen the stories of our own lives – a journey every listener is invited to embark upon, ensuring the memories of yesteryear inform the identities of tomorrow.

Links:
Flower In the River (website)
Flower In the River (audio book)

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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El baile no es solo movimiento al ritmo de la música; es la celebración de Liz Pimentel-Gopal de la identidad cultural y la autoreinvención. Desde las vibrantes calles de México hasta el foco de la NBA, la historia de Liz es un vívido bis de la vida a más de 55 años. Este episodio rastrea su resiliente ritmo desde una recién encontrada identidad americana hasta romper estereotipos con el equipo de baile Hardwood Classics de los Golden State Warriors. Liz rompe las normas de edad, abrazando la sabiduría de los años y el poder de la actuación, inspirando un baile de unidad a través de las edades y orígenes. Únete a nosotros mientras exploramos el papel transformador de la comunidad y el ritmo colectivo que nos impulsa a nuevas alturas. Sintoniza para un viaje alentador de baile, armonía y la incansable persecución de sueños.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Dance isn't just movement to music; it's Liz Pimentel-Gopal's celebration of cultural identity and self-reinvention. From Mexico's vibrant streets to the NBA's spotlight, Liz's story is a vivid encore of life at 55+. This episode traces her resilient beat from a newfound American identity to breaking stereotypes with the Golden State Warriors Hardwood Classics Dance Team. Liz shatters age norms, embracing the wisdom of years and the power of performance, inspiring a dance of unity across ages and backgrounds. Join us as we explore the community's transformative role and the collective rhythm that drives us to new heights. Tune in for an uplifting journey of dance, harmony, and relentless pursuit of dreams.

Links:
Golden State Warriors Harwood Classics Dance Team

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Objects that anchor us - do you have one? I’ve journeyed with an etched stone for 20+ years. It's been a silent guide through change, a puzzle in constancy, and a testament to life's irony.

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Explore the wisdom, humor, and focus of strategic change-making with Shaun Floerke. As a judge, he shaped innovative specialty courts and programs fostering family unity within the legal system, but at the helm of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, he has shaped a proactive, compassionate outreach, highlighting the power of collective action and shared purpose.

Forget the status quo, for Shaun it's about revolutionizing how we approach social issues, listening to the unheard voices, and constructing a mosaic of expertise to create lasting solutions.

He candidly discusses the need to balance action with reflection, committing to self-care as a way to re-charge, and for him, it’s biking to and from work every day in Duluth.

He closes with a contemplation on the transition from being a warrior in one's youth to becoming an elder who supports others, recognizing the value of passing the torch to future leaders.

LINKS:
Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation 
Don Coyhis, Mohican Elder 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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When Alice Grasset faced breast cancer at 40, her world was upended, leaving a corporate career to co-found the Yapura Wellness Center in North Carolina. This personal and professional collision led to the creation of 'Sparkles of Grace' – a holistic program guiding women through the emotional and physical labyrinth of cancer recovery emphasizing the power of yoga, meditation, and coaching in managing treatment side effects and fears of recurrence.  

In intimately recounting her own cancer journey, Alice gives voice to the physical, emotional, and spiritual struggles that connect rather than divide those facing this disease. Her story highlights the broader human experience of cancer and exemplifies how a supportive community can transform adversity into purpose. 

This is not a story of one woman’s ordeal in isolation, but rather a testament to the shared truths of the cancer path along a road that does not need to be lonely. 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this episode, we set sail on a voyage into the heart of storytelling and sea-bound living with Liz Shipton, an indie author who has carved out a life that's as unconventional as it is inspiring. Living with her boyfriend Trevor, and their dog Aloy on their 43’ sailboat, Liz gives us a glimpse into the realities of her day-to-day life at sea and how it feeds into her creative work.

We explore her book series about dystopian adventures set in a future where most of the world is submerged in saltwater.  You'll hear about her encounters with rough seas and her observations on climate change and environmental issues. Liz's ability to tackle challenging topics like mental health and addiction, influenced by her personal struggles, brings forth a unique authenticity that makes her writing truly stand out.

Offering insights and advice about off-grid travel, Liz's story is a compelling look at the dedication it takes to follow one's passions. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that may just spark your own ideas about living life on your own terms.

LINKS
Liz Shipton 
SALT: Thalassic Book One

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Explore the power of creativity in self-discovery and healing with Kris Frykman, an acclaimed artist, educator, and art therapist. In this engaging podcast, Kris unveils how art therapy goes beyond aesthetics, becoming a vital tool for self-expression, healing, and coping with life's complexities. 
Discover her transformative work with the Suicide Survivors Club, where art therapy fosters hope, emotional growth, and connections for those facing trauma. Listen to a poignant tale from the Suicide Survivor Conference, underscoring the importance of outreach and connection in navigating and living with grief. 
This episode is not just about appreciating art—it's an inspirational dive into its therapeutic potential, guiding us towards a sense of belonging and peace amidst heartache and chaos.

Links:
Meet Kris Frykman, Canvas Rebel Magazine, January 23, 2023
Suicide Survivors’ Club
NAMI 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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What if resilience and compassion were life tools forged  in a violent childhood where poverty, alcohol and illness were constants? Could they pave the way for an unshakable sibling bond that becomes a journey of purpose and connection? 

Listen as Mick Cochrane, acclaimed writer and professor answers this question in his captivating narrative of growing up alongside his remarkable, humorous, and creative sister, Sue.  As a family court judge for 18 years, she found unconventional ways to put the heart back into the body of the law, while dealing with a life-threatening cancer diagnosis.  It then returned as an inoperable brain tumor. Through multiple chemo rounds and brain surgeries, Sue had a deep curiosity about life, science, spirituality, and death- and a radical openness that allowed others to feel at ease. She chose to live with compassion and joy- like a mirror reflecting the good in others. 

Mick shares his journey to publish Sues’ extraordinary memoir: “The Crystal Gavel: How I put my heart into the body of the law.”  Reading this book is like talking to Sue, you can’t help but get pulled in! From her trauma born mutism to international speaker for collaborative law, she embodied Mary Oliver’s words:

“The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
Meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.”

Links:
Mick Cochrane

The Crystal Gavel: How I Put My Heart into the Body of the Law by Sue Cochrane, Edited by Mick Cochrane, Wise Ink Publisher
 
Kintsugi: The Golden Joinery of Love   by Sue Cochrane, Syndicated from themovementofhealing.org Oct.31, 2023

Judicial referee Susan Cochrane, who channeled her difficulties into life's work of compassion, dies at 65  by Rachelle Olson, Star Tribune February 27, 2021

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Get ready for this electrifying episode with Lori Grace Bailey, professional photographer, and storm chaser who not only survived being struck by lightning but has an incredible story to tell! 🌩️ 
In this eye-opening conversation, we delve into Lori's incredible journey, from chasing tornadoes and capturing lightning strikes to facing dramatic dust walls in the Southwest. Her passion is as fierce as the storms she photographs.

As a Hispanic Trans woman, Lori's story is a testament to
courage and unwavering determination. She's on a mission to empower artists and
amplify diverse voices, seeing social media as a tool to showcase up-and-coming
talent.

Listen  as Lori shares valuable insights on the essential elements of safety in storm chasing, the unique mindset required for this daring art form, and the transformative power of embracing authenticity in both art and life. Discover the strength that comes from finding a supportive community of like-minded individuals.

Lori's journey beautifully illustrates how art can mirror life in the most captivating and powerful ways. Don't miss this inspiring conversation! ⚡

e-opening and inspiring conversation with Lori Grace Bailey.

LINKS
The Light and Lightning of Lori Grace Bailey
Lori Grace Bailey Featured On CBS Sunday
When nature strikes, this storm chaser is usually with striking distance

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Join us on a journey of cultural exploration with Vesna Kittelson, a tri-located citizen of the world, gracefully navigating Croatia, Cambridge, and Minneapolis. Raised in Communist Yugoslavia, her compelling life story reflects the power of curiosity, offering unique perspectives on the world. Vesna’s artistic journey transcends not only borders but also linear time, weaving ancient Croatia, scholarly Cambridge, and vibrant Minneapolis into a rich tapestry of experiences and art making.

Discover the profound interplay of words and art in Vesna’s latest creations. She challenges traditional language boundaries, exploring the ineffable aspects of communication. Fascinated by dictionaries and the primal nature of language, her work invites viewers to contemplate the enigma of language and welcome a myriad of interpretations, transforming each piece into a dynamic dialogue between the artist and her audience.

 Links
VESNA krezich KITTELSON 

"Synthesis: Lost and Found in America: The Art of Vesna Kittelson,"  Afton Historical Society Press, 2020

WAM On Demand- (Virtual Studio Visit) Vesna Kittelson

Podcast/ Vesna Kittelson, “Lost and Found in America”

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Ready to ride the winds of innovation? Explore Windswept Kite Turbines, a game-changing technology led by visionary CEO Rod Read, located in the Shetland islands. Discover how these trailblazing kites are reshaping renewable energy by harnessing high altitude winds and their adaptability to various land or ocean locations. Rod shares insights on DIY kite turbine construction, safety, AI integration, and the potential to transform the renewable energy landscape. Prepare to be inspired as we navigate through Rod's experiences in engineering this revolutionary tech, and his unwavering belief in its potential to refine and redefine the future of renewable energy. Don't miss this high-flying adventure in clean energy innovation!

Rod Read is engineer, inventor and CEO of Windswept Kite Turbines. As an advocate for renewable energy, Rod is guest speaker at renewable energy conferences and research contributor in this field.

LINKS
Windswept Kite Turbine  

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Ready for takeoff? Join us as we soar into the captivating world of aviation with Mina Carlson. From high school dreams to becoming a certified private and commercial pilot, flight instructor, and serving in the Air Force Reserves as a flight engineer, Mina shares her remarkable journey while balancing multiple roles.

Explore the future of women in aviation, the pilot shortage and Mina’s vision for equality. Discover her experience as the only female flight engineer, conquering imposter syndrome, and empowering future female pilots. Plus get an inside look at Stars of the North, A Women in Aviation Chapter and their upcoming Girls In Aviation Day event. This isn’t just an episode, it's your boarding pass to inspiration beyond the clouds!

Mina Carlson works for the Mn Dept. of Transportation Office of Aeronautics and is a MSgt and flight engineer with the 96th Airlift Squadron,  Air Force Reserves with overseas deployments.  She has her private and commercial pilot and flight instructor certifications. Mina is Stars of the North, A Women In Aviation Chapter event director for the upcoming Girls In Aviation Day event.

Links:
Stars of the North, A Women In Aviation Chapter
Girls In Aviation Day Event
WAI Women In Aviation International
EEA GirlVenture Camp     
Minnesota Aviation Career Education 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Peter Hurley’s journey to Mangone is where roots meet route. It's a trip where genealogy and family research become a roadmap to understanding. He proves that when you dig deep into your family tree, you don't just find names and dates—you find destinations.

Peter sets off on a 28-day odyssey to Mangone, his mother's ancestral village in Southern Italy. Though his local guide bails, Peter finds his way to the mayor and town historian Raffaele, who becomes his impromptu guide. They explore an old church where Peter's ancestors were baptized and visit WWI memorials that deepen his connection to his roots. While Peter doesn't discover living relatives, he finds something just as valuable: his family's enduring legacy in Mangone. 

Equipped with genealogy and family history research, Peter returns from Mangone with fresh insights and vivid memories.  His adventure serves as a how-to guide, offering a wealth of tips for anyone planning their own ancestral trip!

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Step into the world of equine therapy, guided by the inspiring Lynn Moore, CEO of Acres for Life Therapy & Wellness Center. Listen to Lynn’s own transformative tale, one marked by mental health struggles and search for meaningful connection.

Take a virtual tour of Acres sprawling, verdant pastures where horses - each with a personality as diverse and layered as the humans they help- become mirrors to the soul.

Here, an old horse like Chief, once forgotten, brings a prickly man face to face with his own potential for change.  Explore the mysterious non-verbal connections that form when horse and human interact. Learn how Acres For Life uplifts its community and hear first-hand how this therapy packs a punch, rewriting life stories one hoof-beat at a time.

Lynn Moore, CEO of Acres for Life Therapy & Wellness Center, is a mental health counselor, Equine Therapy specialist, mentor, facilitator, and business person.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Ever feel trapped in the same old routine, and everything becomes a chore? Discover the delicate balance between comfort and creativity and decipher what a rut really means.

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Ever felt a story tug at your heart, altering your mood or even your view on life?  Join Patti Christensen as we unravel the magic of storytelling, time travel and its remarkable power to impact lives.  
Patti is a professional storyteller, drama specialist, and licensed clinical social worker who uses the intricate art of storytelling and story- listening as  tools for building connections. The settings may vary, like  a children's hospital, counseling sessions, or doing drama with students in China, but her transformative journey touches lives highlighting the universal power of stories to heal. 
Patti Christensen is a licensed clinical social worker in California. 
She is on the staff of the Healing Arts Dept. at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. She is a member of the National Storytellers Network and the Storytellers of San Diego.
Patti Christensen-Storyteller (pattistory.com) 
Storytellers of San Diego — Patti Christensen-Storyteller (pattistory.com)
Rady Children's Hospital, Healing Arts Program

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this touching episode, dive into the transformative world of nature therapy with Taylor Eagan and the Nature Connection team. Explore how they use nature to heal and boost mental health, igniting responsibility and trust with at-risk youth through therapeutic animal interactions. Discover moving tales of personal growth, like a young boy overcoming his fears with a bearded dragon. Uncover the value of small, everyday connections with nature- so important in our fast-paced world! Embrace the ripple effect of positivity the program instills in those battling disabilities and degenerative diseases. Navigate the hurdles in making such impactful programs accessible to all. Lastly, connect with Taylor and her colleagues as their own lives are profoundly changed by these life-affirming encounters. This episode beautifully encapsulates the transformative power of nature.

Taylor Eagan is Program Director for The Nature Connection. She is a biologist, animal welfare advocate, educator, and gardener.

LINKS

The Nature Connection

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this episode, embark on an extraordinary artistic journey with Ed Charbonneau. From teenage mural painter to aspiring Disney animator, Ed’s path takes unexpected twists. Join him as he ventures to Alaska, returns to study art, and discovers a passion for large-scale abstract painting and buildings in need of murals.

Ed openly talks about his mental health challenges and the vital support system that fuels his creativity, emphasizing that his accomplishments are not solely his own but the result of collaboration and connection with others.

Delve into the captivating power of color as a language of communication, the democratization of art through digital platforms, and the importance of inclusive and applicable approaches to color theory education.

Ed Charbonneau is an artist, adjunct faculty at the Minneapolis College of Art & Design (MCAD) and host of the wildly popular Chromosphere: The Color Theory Podcast.

QUOTES

ED: “...so...yes, this has to do with art and I'm an abstract painter, but to me this is about human experience of color”

ED: “And part of being isolated in the pandemic, and I'm writing this thing, my natural inclination is to try and share what I have with people. Yeah. Just like painting a mural on the side of the building... And so I shared it with a number of people and you know, over the years I've noticed that those people are my support system...”

ED: “we have a saying at our studio that 50% of creativity is lunch, as opposed to that old thing of like 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration, you know...back to that manly, like, I gotta work.” 

Links/Further Reading

Ed Charbonneau

Chromosphere: The Color Theory Podcast

How COVID Accelerated the Evolution of the Art World, University of Demo | January 20, 2021

Color: A Visual History From Newton to Modern Color matching Guides by Alexandra Loske

New Life for a 1902 Manual About Color, NY Times, By Julie Lasky, Oct. 4, 2018

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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“In the sacred space where history and art intersect...”    Watch on YouTube

Podcast Transcript: How Do You Remember What You Never Forget?

© 2023  Pat Benincasa  All Rights Reserved 

“Like a relentless yo-yo, history swings back and forth, repeating its ominous patterns as it coils and spins from learned to unlearned events. Yet in this cycle of repetition, certain moments emerge that demand our complete attention. To ignore or forget them is to surrender to a turbulent storm of misinformation where distorted truths masquerade as indisputable facts. Perception, a prism through which we choose to see, holds immense power over our understanding.

As an artist, perception is the essence of my craft. When I gaze upon my earlier works, it feels as though am holding a pair of  binoculars reversed, peering in to the past that now appears both distant and magnified. But among those pieces, there is one that stands out, its significance sharpened to a piercing clarity.

In 2006, a dear friend confided to me a haunting revelation of an Eastern European town that once was home to her husband’s kin during the dark abyss of World War 2.  It was there that the Nazis executed over three hundred Jews, their bodies were thrown into a mass grave. The weight of this revelation hung heavy in the air.

I gently asked her for their names, and she graciously sent me a meticulously typed list. Alone in my studio, I whispered each name not sure who would hear. I rummaged through broken, weathered boards bleached by time and use.  Pieces of wood began to form a Star of David. Hammered strips of copper conspired with pale yellow German New Antique glass to recall the yellow Stars of David that Jews were forced to wear.  The words came to me: "How do you remember what you never forget?”

As night turned in to day, I finished the work, or so I thought. It was missing something: its voice. I knew what I had to do!

I called my friend to translate, “How do you remember what you never forget” into Yiddish? She suggested the translation be in Hebrew knew an old man with a typewriter with Hebrew fonts!  She told him what I was doing and asked if he would do the translation? Without hesitation, he said yes.

When I received his typed words, I went to work and the touch of my brush forming each character completed the piece with a sense of reverence and purpose.

A month later, my friend invited me to show this work to a gathering of the Yiddish Vinkl Club in Minneapolis.  I was nervous about doing this because I am not Jewish. Would my being a First-Generation Italian American, diminish the impact of this work?

Sometimes fate carries us beyond our fears. At the event, I met the gentleman who owned the typewriter with Hebrew fonts. He took my hands in his and told me two things:  He was “honored” to do the translation and he was a survivor of Auschwitz. It was a moment that transcended boundaries of language and heritage.

In that sacred space where history and art intersect, the voices of the fallen, whispered through time, remind us all of our collective responsibility to bear witness, to remember, and to ensure that the echoes of the past reverberate with unwavering clarity through the corridors of our shared humanity.”

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In this moving episode, Cori Levin delves into the profound journey of elder advocacy, finding joy and making a meaningful impact. Discover how Cori fills healthcare gaps, explores alternatives in healing, and imparts wisdom that challenges society’s fear of death. Listen as she describes how her end-of-life doula work took on new significance during the pandemic. Gain insights into creating a more inclusive, age-friendly environment and the importance of honoring the stories and dignity of our older adults.

Cori Levin, owner of Navigating Elderhood, provides advocacy & skilled care for clients and their families in personal and recovery care, and end of life planning. She also offers professional care-giving training courses.

QUOTES

CORI:  “And I do have to say on a positive note, there are a lot of volunteers that 

             are coming back into the facilities... I'm seeing a lot of retired folks coming 

             back and doing beautiful work from music to art. So, the programming has 

             picked up again, and it's really helped all of us.”

CORI:   “...our sense of hearing is the last thing to go. And so having a phone be 

             put up to somebody who is in the 11th hour, who's about to die...But 

             having the phone up to their ear so they can hear their loved one and 

             know that they're thinking of them and they're gonna be ok. And... just 

             that permission to do their work of dying.”

CORI:  “...To help them die. And as a medically trained professional as a 

                             volunteer, I feel like it was a gift that was given to me.”

LINKS

Navigating Elderhood  

Navigating Elderhood Provides Local Families with Elderly Care Options by Staci Perry Mergenthal | Aug 2022

The Hastings Center 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this episode: Defy perfection or what price creative freedom? Watch on YouTube 

Podcast Transcript: Perfection-ISM or Perfection-ISN’T

© 2023  Pat Benincasa  All Rights Reserved 

“OK, fasten your listening seatbelt! This is a topic that has a stubborn reach, deep into our creative psyche! In a world that glorifies success & fame 24/7, perfectionism sings a siren song, saying this is the path to stellar achievement!  It lures us with a tantalizing illusion of totally flawless pursuits. But this shimmering façade with neon promises has deadly consequences lurking in its shadow.

What is perfectionism? Perfectionism is a mindset of unsustainable standards, leading to self-criticism, fear of mistakes and stifled creativity. And forget satisfaction!  The constant pressure to meet these crazy high standards is  an invitation to a stress-fest, wreaking havoc on well-being and self-worth.

Perfectionism  should come with a warning label! Too much of this, leads to chronic stress and bouts of creative destabilization.

So why are we drawn to perfectionism?  Achievement and external validation play a role. We believe that perfection will lead to success and admiration.

Now this is one I’ve struggled with: seeking approval/validation by others to fill a void in myself. If I rack up achievements, I will get approval.  The thing is, as soon as you achieve one thing, you search for the next. When you link achievement with approval it is a runaway freight train of never enough!

Fear of failure demands that any deviation from perfection is a sign of inadequacy or incompetency. This one is a biggy for me! My education was a constant nightmare of humiliation. Going to parochial school, held back a grade, placed in slow classes, and being ridiculed for being a poor reader, left me feeling intellectually inferior. I am ADD and dyslexic, meaning that my brain works differently but parochial schools at that time were very rigid. So fast forward, it wasn't until I left grad school that I fell in love with reading. But in the meantime, I was terrified of failure.

I don't know about you, but I had to find a way to deal with this fear! Everybody has their own way of figuring things out. For me, my existential battleground was in my studio. I am an artist. Why have a studio if I am too afraid to fail? The studio is not outside of me, it resides in a creative strength to be vulnerable and welcome art making with all its mistakes, disasters, discoveries, and magical moments.  No more, freedom doled out in self-imposed permission slips!

Perfectionism offers an illusion of control in a chaotic world - a structure for uncertainty. What’s not to like about that?  It intertwines our self-worth with our ability to be perfect, and achievements become units of measure for identity. You believe that your value as a human being is based on your ability to be perfect.

You're worth as a human being has inherent value simply by virtue of being human. You are a magnificent combo plate in the diner of life- with unique qualities, quirky personality, talents, and experiences that make you -you! I digress. Back to perfectionism!

 Now here’s the deadly side of perfectionism: constant stress, anxiety, second-guessing and exhaustion. Fear of failure kick-starts procrastination. If you fear failure or making mistakes, it’s easier to  find excuses not to begin a task or avoid a task altogether!

I can’t tell you the number of times, when teaching art in high school and college, talented students saying  they

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In this deeply moving episode, Jennifer Bichanich, shares her personal story of tragic loss, including the death of her husband in a remodeled church-building fire. Despite immense grief and despair, Jennifer found ways to rebuild her life and discover her own creative resilience.

Working with a shamanic energy healer, doing art therapy, and joining the Modern Widows Club, she found community and healing and learned to create something beautiful out of the ashes of her life.

This podcast explores themes of grief, healing, and the power of creativity in navigating through difficult times.

Jennifer Bichanich is a writer, speaker, facilitator and life coach.

LINKS

https://jenniferbichanich.com/

Modern Widows Club

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this thought-provoking episode, Rabbi Avi Olitzky explores complexities and detrimental effects of toxic work environments and offers invaluable insights for fostering a more balanced work life. With expert analysis, he discerns signs of workplace toxicity, and provides guidance in navigating the blurred boundaries of digital connectivity to cultivate a positive and fulfilling professional environment.

Tune in to find inspiration and transform your approach to achieving work-life harmony.

Rabbi Avi Olitzky is an author, speaker and former senior rabbi of Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park, MN. He is president of the Olitzky Consulting Group, a firm that provides strategic planning, leadership development and organizational change to nonprofit groups, foundations, churches, and synagogues.

QUOTES

Rabbi Olitzky:   “It's less the characteristics of a toxic workplace and more how do you recognize toxicity.”

Rabbi Olitzky:  “...so many of us that have virtual meetings...even when we are in the office.  Sometimes those meetings take place in our homes. Sometimes those meetings take place in our cars...those meetings even take place outside in the parking lot of our kids' sports game. And that’s okay. But it also means there is no longer an on off switch to work time and family time."

Rabbi Olitzky:  “But in terms of maximizing the potential of your family, what does it mean to work for the company? What does it mean to offer an exceptional employee experience...to provide room for growth and a clear strategy for development and upgrading skills? There's so many different elements to make a safe and positive and retention excellent workplace.”

LINKS

Olitzky Consulting Group

A simple fix for a toxic work environment, Avi S. Olitzky, MINNPOST, August 17, 2022

‘You’re the Problem’: When They Spoke Up About Misconduct, They Were Offered Mental Health Services, Alisha Haridasani Gupta and Ruchika Tulshyan, New York Times July 28, 20218 Signs of a Toxic Work Environment, Cleveland Clinic healthessentials, January12, 2022 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this episode, Benincasa creatively explores the mystique of prayer beads and personal mantras for transformative meditation and moments of tranquility.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH3Kf7Dztek

Sacred Currency: My Artistic Approach to Prayer Beads

By Pat Benincasa

© 2023  Pat Benincasa  All Rights Reserved

"I was always curious about prayer beads, how they span across different cultures and religions and become a guide for focused meditation. So, I purchased sandalwood prayer beads. I like the look, feel and smell of them.  I researched prayer bead rituals, with all of their chants and Oms. The idea is to select a chant to say when placing each bead between finger and thumb.

I tried to stay within the confines of a single chant. But let’s face it, I ‘m ADD and it’s hard for me to stay within the confines of any one thing!  As days passed, the routine grew stale and disconnected, outside of myself.

I thought a lot about the purpose of prayer beads. Being raised Catholic, I know a little something about  beads- Rosary beads, to be exact. The beautiful flow of Hail Mary’s to the Our Father, then back to the Hail Mary’s carries a rhythmic solace. It creates a mystical alchemy that blends words, tactility, spirit, and repetition that pulls one out of themselves toward a profound connection with the Divine.

I wanted that fluidity with my new beads and craved the possibility of a similar experience. In the meantime, having them in my pocket or on my wrist , they become a portable meditation - a tangible reminder of tranquility. 

Now, I am an artist,  an admirer of the senses. I love what you can see, smell, hear and touch! Or maybe it’s my Mediterranean DNA, steeped in reverence for the physical world.

I decided to approach my prayer beads as I would any artistic endeavor, with trust in the idea and willingness to follow wherever it goes. In my work that meant working in glass, sheet metal, varnish stains, or whatever material suits the concept!

Yet, my prayer beads demanded a different kind of creativity, one that spoke directly to my heart.  Instead of one mantra, I write a “mantra” that I need to hear and say it for as long as I need to.  The mantras change as I change, and I love how a phrase or thought fragment provides spiritual currency to receive and give. Even if I don't quite understand the meaning of the phrase, like a work of art, I follow its trail to see where it goes. Here are some of my mantras:

“Fortify my spirit in the truth of who I am.”

“Make space for me in the quiet.”

“Blur the edge of my here and there.”

“In every breath gratitude”

If you were to make your own mantras: What do you need to hear? They don't have to make sense for anyone but you.

For me, the beauty of creating a mantra is that it infuses my prayer beads with deeper meaning.  They become a conduit of transformation and with each recitation, the beads feel re-purposed, resonating with the shifting currents of my daily life. Infused with the energy of my intentions, struggles & hopes, they become cherished companions on my spiritual path.

With prayer beads in hand, I find the sacred dance between the tangible and the intangible, the ordinary and the divine.  They are a gentle reminder to live in the moment with grace and gratitude."

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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In this episode, Pat Benincasa shares powerful life lessons on resilience and determination as a daughter of immigrants.  Growing up, she navigated two very different  worlds of customs, languages and traditions and found  valuable insights and a profound sense of belonging.

Pat Benincasa is a visual artist, art educator and podcaster whose work has  received national and international attention. She has received  National Percent for Art and General Services Administration (GSA) Art In Architecture Commissions and project documentation is  archived at the Minnesota Historical Society. Benincasa received her MFA and MA from Wayne State University in Detroit and received her K-12 Art Licensure from St. Catherine University. 

Thank you Natalie Zett, audio engineer!

QUOTES

PAT:  "Looking back with an emotional distance of many years, I  have to say, there was something magical about living in 2 worlds."

PAT:  “How is it that the older we get opens a portal to our debris strewn past? And this portal becomes a willing vantage point of our earliest memories: Part casualty clearing station, part daytime comedy, or behavioral blueprint- maybe all of these?”

Growing up, she navigated two very different worlds of customs, languages and traditions and found  valuable insights and a profound sense of belonging.

Pat Benincasa is a visual artist, art educator and podcaster whose work has  received national and international attention. She has received  National Percent for Art and General Services Administration (GSA) Art In Architecture Commissions and project documentation is  archived at the Minnesota Historical Society. Benincasa received her MFA and MA from Wayne State University in Detroit and received her K-12 Art Licensure from St. Catherine University. 

LINKS

www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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In this episode Kathy Greiner gives eye-opening insights to what it means to age in place or have wheelchair mobility to ensure that families and individuals can live independently and safely in their homes.

Kathy Greiner is Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Minnesota. Since 1997 this  nonprofit serves low-income homeowners who are seniors, individuals living with disabilities, families with children and veterans and their families in need, as well as nonprofit facilities in need of repairs.

QUOTES

Kathy:  “..the homeowners have essentially become trapped in their home because ...they can't navigate the steps out the back door and they just don't know what to do. So they...become home bound. And ... the team goes out and builds a ramp and they see the homeowner use that to go out of their house for the first time in three years... it's really emotional for everybody. “

Kathy:  “Our first concern is to make sure a family is safe and healthy in that home...Because as some research has actually shown... your home is one of those major determinants of your health.”

Kathy:  “...for our volunteers, it really does bring home the idea that there are conditions here ... that we need to help our neighbors...You walk into someone's home and you see what's going on, you just have a different appreciation for how people have to survive.”

LINKS

Rebuilding Together Minnesota

SPNN Forum: Rebuilding Together Minnesota

Rebuilding Together started as “Christmas in April in Midland Texas in 1973 by Bobby Trimble and a group of friends.

St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minnesota Occupational Therapy Assistant Associate Degree Program

St. Catherine University, St. Paul, Minnesota- Doctor of Occupational Therapy  

Metropolitan Center for Independent Living 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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FTC in-btwns are quick  insights at the intersection of art and life! 

In this episode:  When breaking free counts. 

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In this episode, Peter Mui challenges the unsustainable practice of accepting non-repairable items, “junk by design,”  from appliances to smart phones that quickly end up in landfills. Do we accept purchase without ownership? What is our relationship to consumption?

Peter Mui, MIT graduate IS  founder and organizer of the Fixit Clinic -a “pop-up” community repair workshop where people bring their broken things to disassemble and hopefully repair with the assistance of a volunteer Fixit Coach.  Fixit Clinics are all over the US, and there are Zoom Fixit Clinics plus the Global Fixers Discord Server open 24/7!

QUOTES:

PETER: “So...the initial quality seems great to the customer, but ...within a year or a year and a half... basically, the thing is junk. So I'm calling that” junk by design.”

PETER: “...There was a time when you used to be able to get repairs for common household appliances...and they just disappeared.... I just couldn't stand the waste, I couldn't stand the idea of the product churn and the idea that this stuff was going to a landfill and it was basically sound.”

PETER: “Imagine a future where everything that we...consume;  it's designed, built, serviced, and maintained in a local service area using locally available tools, materials, processes and services.”

LINKS:

Fixit Clinic

Joining Zoom Fixit Clinics or the Global Fixers Discord Server

Celebrating Repair at Fixit Clinic  

Fixing the World With Peter Mui of Fixit Clinic

RE:WIRED GREEN 2022: Peter Mui on the Right-to-Repair Movement

Learn  About Right To Repair 

Fixit Clinics pair critical thinking and hands-on engineering- Peter Mui ’82, MIT Technology Review, by Alice Waugh, June 27, 2018

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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FTC in-btwns are quick  insights at the intersection of art and life!

In this episode:  For or against ourself, we choose.

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In this riveting episode, Jim Harold, who since 2005, has had guests discuss all manner of unexplained phenomena in his Paranormal Podcast.  He shares  anecdotes, insights and experiences of things known and unknown.  At the heart of his inquisitive explorations is his comment:  “We don't know we know something until we discover it.”

Jim Harold’s podcasts have over 60 million downloads and he has produced over 2,600 episodes and authored 5 books.

QUOTES

JIM:  “And I believe almost everybody, even the most hardcore skeptic, has a one-time story of something they couldn't make sense of.”

JIM:  “...there's one thing... I've learned, and I'm utterly convinced of this one thing. The nature of reality and the nature of our existence is so much more than we give it credit for. It's so much deeper. There's so much more going on. There's so much that is here, but we don't see through our senses.”

JIM:  “...if you start getting into this stuff, it can really kind of ...mentally upend you from your paradigm. You see the world in a whole different way and realize, wow, we, we really don't have it figured out, do we?”

LINKS:

Jim Harold Media Shows 

Jim Harold Plus

Jim Harold Books 

Dr. Michael Schermer at Skeptic.com 

Retrocausality

Retrocausality: How backwards-in-time effects could explain quantum weirdness,  Feb 10, 2023 ResearchOutcom.com  

Rosemary Ellen Guiley

Rosemary Ellen Guiley Books

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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FTC in-btwns are quick (under 5 min) insights at the intersection of art and life! Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WQMa63zSyM&t=13s

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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In this episode we discover how veterans and beekeeping is a win-win combination! 3 Bee Veterans Program instructors, Ben, Jessica and Joshua talk about all things bees; from hive life, foraging, transpersonal beekeeping to Colony Collapse Disorder.

For veterans who miss a sense of community and shared purpose of military life,  the Bee Veterans Program offers beekeeping training, shared camaraderie in this hands-on world of honeybees!  

Ben Ziegler, former USAF,  works with the U of MN Spivak Honeybee Lab, the Bee Squad, and Bee Veterans Program.  Jessica Helgen manages colonies and collects hive data for the U of MN Bee Squad Bee Network Program. She is coordinator and primary instructor for the Mentoring Apiary workshops. Joshua Munoz, former USMC, is an Agricultural Teacher at Como Park Senior High School, instructor for U of MN Bee Veterans Program and ambassador for the Minnesota Honey Producers Assoc.

QUOTES

JESSICA: “I still remember the first time they opened a hive for me and there were bees flying all around and I could smell the honey and the wax coming out of the colony. And it was just really magical.”

JOSHUA: “...there's this rhythm into beekeeping. And I think having an open mind... and being willing to learn about something that people have been working with for so long... Be humble when you work with... honeybees.”

BEN:  “....a honeybee colony...have like a two mile radius around their hive that they'll forage from... If you have a, say a suburban hive, that's a lot of blacktop, that's a lot of roofs, that's a lot of just Kentucky bluegrass lawn that they can't use. If we are wanting to make a difference on a personal level here, I think a lot of people would really need to add... flowering plants to their yard.”

LINKS

University of Minnesota Bee Lab

University of Minnesota Bee Veterans Program

University of Minnesota Spivak Lab

Rebecca Masterman, University of Minnesota, 2018 President's Award for Outstanding Service

Marla Spivak, University of Minnesota, Dept. of Entomology

Heroes To Hives Program (Heroes to Hives’ National Director Dr. Adam Ingrao)

Bee Wise farms, LLC (lacey Ann Ingrao, M.A. Transpersonal Psychology

Transpersonal Psychology

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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FTC in-btwns are quick (under 5 min) insights at the intersection of art and life! Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRBxI9a4_64&t=19s 

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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In this revealing and insightful episode, Damon Maloney takes us behind the scenes in his work as a broadcast journalist. Damon discusses the personal impact of the Flint Water Crisis and how that tragedy affected so many. He’ll also discuss how being a reporter, news anchor and producer has strengthened his belief in the power of journalism to touch lives and affect change.

At the heart of his investigative reporting is a passion for truth, respect for the many  people in the newsroom behind each story, and his abiding belief that “journalism is a people  business.”

Damon Maloney is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has covered national and regional news stories including Flint water crisis, devastating tornado to high-profile murder trial.

QUOTES:

DAMON: “So it took more work, I would say, on behalf of journalists, but also the people of Flint. They were determined to get somebody in to listen...with credence.”

DAMON:  “I thoroughly enjoy just getting out and meeting people... in their environment, figuring out what their story is, and sharing that with others. You encounter so much tragedy. Yeah. But on the flip side, you also meet so many inspiring people.”

DAMON: “And you have to respect people when they don't wanna talk to you....I've had many doors slammed in my face...and from some very interesting situations! But you always have to conduct yourself as a professional. Now that doesn't mean that you're not aggressive or competitive, or you ask those tough follow up questions, but you do so with dignity, with professionalism and respect.”

LINKS:

https://www.damonmaloney.com

ThreeSixty Alumni Spotlight: Damon Maloney: A local reporter covering the Flint water crisis, Lucas Johnson, September 2018

Marc A. Edwards, Charles Lunsford Professor, University Distinguished Professor @ Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech's Marc Edwards testifies on contaminated drinking water in Flint, Michigan 

Flint water activist LeeAnne Walters wins environmental prize,Detroit Free Press, Associated Press, April 23, 2018Without These Whistleblowers, We May Never Have Known the Full Extent of the Flint Water Crisis, Smithsonian Magazine, John McQuaid, December 2016

National Association of Black Journalists 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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FTC in-btwns are quick (under 5 min) insights at the intersection of art and life! Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFy1jMmTV10

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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In this powerful episode, Angelo Paparelli, takes us inside the US immigration system of changing laws, history, quotas, political parties, and bureaucratic turf wars. In his many years of practicing immigration law, he understands the delicate balance of working within multiple agencies, navigating laws and amendments while never losing sight of the human toll of each decision.

Angelo Paparelli is a partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, practicing in Southern California and New York. He is the recipient of the Edith Lowenstein Award conferred by the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He is an expert witness/consultant on immigration to law firms, businesses and individuals. His blog, “A Nation of Immigrators,” affects public policy and has a world-wide audience.

QUOTES

ANGELO:  “It's helping people who were fleeing persecution from their home country. And boy, putting together an affidavit that describes someone's life-threatening fears is far more meaningful than drafting a contract.”

ANGELO:  “... I think we've forgotten our history and we don't really make the connection... I mean, the founder of Intel was an immigrant, the founder of Apple computers was an immigrant. He was the son of a refugee... and I believe at least one of the two founders of Google was an immigrant. So you just name these companies and you see the tremendous wealth creation that there has been, but you don't see that. It doesn't register. And why it doesn't register is a kind of selective perception, cultural or historic amnesia.”

ANGELO:  “I believe that American exceptionalism, if that term is still to be used, derives from the constant replenishment of human capital, human ideas that come from elsewhere, where people who will do anything to sacrifice for their children's betterment and work and contribute in ways that they push it to the level of human capacity...”

LINKS

Angelo A. Paparelli, Vialto Partners

Nation of Immigrators Blog Gumption, Resilence, Courage: Immigration attorney Angelo Paparelli finds inspiration in clients, Wayne State University Law School, August 27, 2018 

https://law.wayne.edu/news/gumption-resilience-courage-33878

AILA Presents Angelo A. Paparelli with the 2010 Edith Lowenstein Memorial Award 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Doubt and creativity are never far apart, here's why! To watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLxtiUiqmcs

Art works referenced in the podcast:

"Falling Water Skylight" for the Minnesota Judicial Center,  14’ x 30’ x 6,’ seven-ton, glass and steel skylight sculpture for the Grand Stair Hall of the Minnesota Judicial Center on State Capitol Grounds, St. Paul, MN.  ( Percent For Art Commission )

"Redemption Window" for Hill-Murray Chapel, Maplewood, MN, 14’x8’ x 6,’ glass, steel, limestone rock, 34 windows

"Republic Steel Ohio," 2016, Encaustic, wood, cement, paint on sheet metal, 25” x 20” x 4”  

"Central Furnace Cleveland," 2018, Encaustic, wood, cement on sheet metal, 59" x 21.5" x 2" 

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In this episode, Michelle Kolling, candidly shares her story about losing her husband, months after his diagnosis and her grief journey in search of the person she would become. With wit, humor, and grace she  found her calling as an end-of-life doula.

Her firsthand, intimate connection to loss, grief and transformation gave her clarity in that she could help patients and their loved ones, make their way in an end-of-life process that is humane, compassionate, and meaningful. “Approaching the last days with intention, gives the dying person a sense of control and creates a sacred space for loved ones to enter the dying experience.”

Michelle Kolling trained with the INELDA (International End of Life Doula Association,)  and earned a Proficiency Badge from NEDA (National End of Life Doula Alliance.) She is also a member of the Minnesota Death Collaborative and Institute of Birth, Breath, and Death.  Her website is: heldoula.com.

QUOTES

MICHELLE:  “After kind of that initial shock wears off, what is really important starts to become very clear now. All the stuff that isn't that important, it's like, why was I spending time on that? So ... you're all of a sudden shifting too into a different way of being. “

MICHELLE:  “But yeah, making sure that that whole person is being seen and that that whole person is being taken care of in a way that is in alignment with their values.”

MICHELLE:  “I just think, grief is a sacred, sacred time because you are broken open. You do have an opportunity to come to a different place or build your life in a different way to be, be more real, be more authentic, see what's left. It just feels like you're never gonna be put back together again. And maybe that's okay. “

LINKS

Held Doula  

(INELDA)  International End of Life Doula Association

(NEDA) National End-of-Life Doula Alliance  

University of Vermont Professional & Continuing Education End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate

Doulagivers

Sacred Passage: End-of-Life Doula Certification Program   

Hole in the World: Finding Hope in Rituals of Grief and Healing by Amanda Held Opelt

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Another OH SO QUICK art/life insight about the  creative process! To watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEGEdRp6_hg 

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In this episode, Richard Whittaker, founder of works & conversations magazine, who has interviewed over 200 artists, candidly shares his and other’s experiences and insights about the struggle, mystery, and ecstatic joy of living a creative life.

The stories, quirks, twists and turns of being creative are viewed in a larger context of what it means to be authentic and present in the choices we make and the paths we follow.

Richard Whittaker is the founding editor of works & conversations and is the West Coast editor of Parabola magazine. Although he holds degrees in philosophy and clinical psychology, he has been immersed in the arts for over 50 years and works in ceramics, painting, sculpture, and photography.

QUOTES

RICHARD: “I could say the words, but in a way, I, I couldn't bring the rest of myself to my own words. And when I saw that, because I was trying to reach deep and reach high in my work, I felt it was inauthentic and not responsible and not honest if I couldn't bring my whole self to my words and stand there behind my words or under my words. “

RICHARD: "You see poetry in many forms when you see something that embodies the beauty of wholeness and grace and your heart is touched. That's ... poetry."

RICHARD:  “I don't care if I call myself an artist or not...What's important is this experience. And if I make things that are art...it doesn't matter so much. But I had a decision to make, and I made this decision that I would try to give myself a hundred percent to this creative side of myself that I had never explicitly decreed to be my path.”

LINKS
works&conversations.org

4 Interviews About Richard Whittaker:
A Conversation with Richard Whittaker: To see from the intelligence of the heart

by James Manteith, Tatiana Apraksina,  Apr 9, 2020 

A Conversation with Richard Whittaker: Berkeley Treasures by Robbin Henderson, Jan 22, 2018
Interview: Richard Whittaker: Talking with Artists by Carl Cheng, May 31, 2012

War Babies: A Generation’s Stories and America’s Soul: Richard Whittaker

"Sunday Morning" by Wallace Stevens 

Who Makes Originals, Ever? A Conversation with Viola Frey by Richard Whittaker, Aug 8, 2002
The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism

Godfrey Reggio, life and works

Luis Bunel

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this episode, Lori Arent reveals the heart of  the The Raptor Center where staff, doctors and volunteers focus their passion for raptors with ground- breaking research, rescue and rehab that affects thousands of birds! Listen to her harrowing story of battling the Avian Flu with creative quarantine methods. This is a story of dedicated innovation that impacts bird, human and environment.

Lori Arent, MS  is Assistant Director of The Raptor Center at University of Minnesota and author of “Raptors in Captivity: Guidelines for care & management."

QUOTES

LORI:  “Every single bird that comes into our clinic has a story to tell. “

LORI:  “Raptors really are such amazing sentinels for what's happening in our environment...And so if we just listen to what they’re telling us, we can actually help people too. It’s...called the One Health Concept, where environmental health, human health, and animal health are all linked together.”

LORI:  “...just like people... Every bird's a little bit different....And a lot of it is really based on their experiences. What has happened in their life before they've come to us...Everyone has had different experiences in their lives, just like people.”

LINKS

The Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Minnesota   1920 Fitch Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, 612-624-4745  

Volunteer at The Raptor Center 

Donate to The Raptor Center  

“Raptors in Captivity: Guidelines for care & management by Lori Arent

One Health Concept

Avian Influenza (HPAI)

2022 Confirmations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial and Backyard Flocks 

Fomite: is an object (such as a dish, doorknob, or article of clothing) that may be contaminated with infectious agents (such as bacteria or viruses) and serve in their transmission

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory 

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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Fill To Capacity (FTC) “in-btwns” are quick insights at the intersection of art & life! Under 3 minutes, they put the zippity in the doo dah, and appear in between regular podcasts!

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In this episode, Paul Gavrilyuk, president of REBUILD UKRAINE tells how the constant bombardment of Ukraine's cities, and civilian infrastructure does not stop their network of volunteers, businesses, and social media to get medical supplies, protective gear and humanitarian aid into war-torn Ukraine.

With touch points in Lithuania, their quick response, front-line work is saving thousands of older adults, families, orphans, and the sick. They have make-shift schools for refugee children in Montenegro, Lithuania and Ukraine.

Paul sums up the spirit of this work: “the determination is there and no bombing, no tragic and horrific criminal bombing of the cities is gonna stop that determination.”

Paul L. Gavrilyuk, PhD is the Aquinas Chair in Theology and Philosophy at the University of St Thomas, St Paul, MN. An internationally respected public speaker, he has five years of experience in the non-profit sphere and is the founding president of the International Orthodox Theological Association.

QUOTE HIGHLIGHTS

PAUL: “The reason we created the organization is precisely because we could help within the country...Most of the people that are affiliated with us...have businesses of their own, and at the same time they're volunteers. So they think about what we do really as one would run a very good small business. Only the outcome is not profit, but actually, a life saved.”

PAUL: "And I've made a moral choice. And it just had to do with the fact that I simply did not have the luxury of just...sitting and doing little or nothing."

PAUL: "...it is a story of Ukraine. And the real heroes, of course, are the ones who are presently willing to ultimately sacrifice their lives...for Ukraine's sovereignty, for its future, for its independence, I mean... it's the American Revolution type of moment for Ukraine. Yeah... it's also defending really core values like...human dignity and freedom."

PAT:  "I was thinking about the way Ukraine has captured the hearts and imaginations of people. And...maybe it's because the world is media weary of bullies, thugs, and grifters not having consequences for their actions. And Ukraine looms large in our collective imagination as the proverbial David stopping the giant Goliath."

LINKS

REBUILD UKRAINE  Paul L. Gavrilyuk, PhD Udemy Course: Ukraine: History, Culture and identities

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

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In this episode, Dr. Scott Taylor, Ed.D talks about his own shared death experience, and the powerful,  life-changing aftereffects from this event.  He explains the difference and similarities  between near-death (NDE) and shared death experiences(SDE).

Through years of research, working with NDE and SDE experiencers, he highlights stories of transformation, changed behaviors, and heightened awareness of time, purpose and meaning.

Dr.Taylor has explored NDE's for over 30 years. He is the former president, and executive director of the Monroe Institute. He is a spiritual teacher, speaker, and has 6 best-selling guided meditations on NDE’s. Dr.Taylor Is currently president of the Expanded Awareness Institute- (EAI) in Nellysford, VA, which helps people with near-death and shared death experiences.

Quote Highlights

SCOTT:  "Because an NDE in includes transcendental and mystical elements. It is a powerful event of consciousness."

SCOTT: "...the rules of the physical universe are determined by the words “either-or.”  ... It's either you or me. And we are separate....In the nonphysical universe, it's run by  the words “both-and,” so you are you, and I am me and we are separate. We have our separate consciousnesses and we are also tied together. We are made up of the same stuff. We are hooked together consciously."

SCOTT: "However, everybody that comes back from a near death experience or comes back with a shared death experience, or frankly just has a spiritually transformative experience...Talk about ... what's our role here? What are we really all about? And it boils down to love, and learning how to increase our capacity to love."

LINKS

Near Death Meditations Scott M. Taylor, Ed.D 

Are Near Death Experiences Real? With Dr. Scott Taylor September 8, 2022, Next Level Soul

Monroe Institute

Life After Life, by Raymond Moody

At Heaven's Door: What Shared Journeys to the Afterlife Teach About Dying Well and Living Better  by William J. Peters

Dr. Pim van Lommel  

A Cardiologist and Life after Death | An interview with Dr. Pim van Lommel, YouTube

Dr. Peter Fenwick
What Really Happens When You Die | Peter Fenwick's Studies of End-of-Life-Phen

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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In this episode, Diana and Todd Burns talk about their labor of love to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need.  They jump in to save horses and donkeys from a terrible fate and an unknowing public. This is truly a love story with an ornery mini pig, noisy prairie dogs, romping alpacas, and meandering tortoises- truly a cast of creature characters! At the heart of this story is Diana and Todd’s fierce determination to care for each animal as best they can.

Diana and Todd Burns own and operate DT Ranch in Marlow, Oklahoma. It is a rescue and rehabilitation farm and petting zoo with over one hundred animals big and small! You can follow DT Ranch on Facebook because things there are never dull!

QUOTE HIGHLIGHTS

DIANA:  “I don't wanna be one of these people that sit at home and say, you know, I wish I could have something like that or ...I wish I could do that. I wish I could help these animals. I don't wanna be that wishy washy person. I want to help. Yeah. No matter what I want to help.”

DIANA: “I think the best part is when I get donkeys in that I've never had human contact that has never had a brushing or a hand just stroking its main, to look in their eyes and from going from mistrust...and fear to loving and wanting that right there... Okay. And that's what drives me to keep doing is yeah. When I look into their eyes... the mistrust is gone...You see a trusting donkey. You see a donkey that wants to be loved. Yep. And that wants to give love. “

DIANA: “My biggest dream is to go to the livestock auctions, the sales barns get the donkeys before they get into the hands of the kill buyers, then have soldiers that have PTSD come out and work with the broken rejected donkeys, taking two broken souls, putting them together to mend. “

( DONATIONS for the care and feeding of animals can be made at Paypal! To:   ranchgirl85@gmail.com  and click:  "friends and family"   Thank you! )

LINKS

DT Ranch, Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation 

DT Ranch Facebook

Stroud Oklahoma Kill Pen Horses- Rescuing Kill Pen Horses

“A Silly Little Ranch,” by Todd Burns

Todd R Burns, Music on Spotify

Fort Sill

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

Follow me on Instagram!